Amels and Damen Yachting has signed a new full custom project of a 72m (235ft) hybrid expedition yacht, to be built under its Damen Yachting brand. Michael Leach Design has been selected by the owner to work with the owner’s design team, and the project will be managed by Burgess New Construction. She is expected to be delivered in 2024 at the builder’s Vlissingen facility in the Netherlands.
“This hybrid expedition vessel is an absolutely unique project,” says Rose Damen, Managing Director of Damen Yachting. “For us it has been very exciting to bring the Owner’s very unique vision to reality. We are dedicated to developing more efficient propulsion and power management solutions for our clients, which are underpinned by an environmentally sensitive mind-set. We are proud to be at the forefront of a new breed of luxury expedition vessels and this highly innovative new project embodies this approach.’’
Damen Yachting’s Commercial Executive Jan van Hogerwou comments, “We have been able to apply many of the sustainable technologies that the Damen Shipyards Group has developed for a wide variety of maritime applications. But first and foremost, she is purpose-built for comfort, reliability and performance for an Owner with the goal of taking the utmost advantage of these qualities to explore new places in some of the most challenging waters in the world.’’
Edmund Beckett of Burgess New Construction said, “This project perfectly represents the seamless teamwork between the sales and new construction team within Burgess, and we are very proud and excited to continue this journey with the Owner, Damen Yachting and Michael Leach Design.”
Image Credit: Damen Yachting BV
With gross tonnage of 1,440, the vessel is characterised by its large and flexible outdoor spaces. These can be used for outdoor entertainment, or for tender and toy storage. Modular equipment including a deck swimming pool and a removable batter bank can also be accommodated. The interior features a dedicated Owners Deck, a VIP cabin and generous areas for guest entertainment. The powerful deck crane will deploy equipment up to 14 tonnes including a 13-metre fast RIB, a 9-metre utility craft and a car. The vessel can accommodate 12 guests and 24 crew members.
The vessel will be powered by a highly efficient power and propulsion configuration. In addition to these engines, she will also be equipped with PTO/PTI hybrid electrical drives that can propel up to 8 knots. She will have on-board battery power for normal use including silent nights at anchor without generator power, and the stored power can be increased with containerised battery packs for extended zero-emission silent cruising in fragile marine systems. Also, the outdoor spaces will be finished in synthetic teak decking a more sustainable, durable and low maintenance alternative.
Credit: Damen Yachting BV